Frostbite

Overview

Frostbite is tissue damage caused by prolonged exposure of the body, locally or systemically, to a low-temperature environment, resulting from vasoconstriction, blood stasis, and tissue freezing. Mild cases show pale skin, numbness, and swelling, while severe cases can develop blisters, tissue necrosis, and even loss of limbs.

Symptoms

• Local pallor of the skin
• Numbness
• Pain
• Blisters
• Tissue necrosis

Treatment

Rapidly remove from the cold environment and rewarm quickly, protect the wound to prevent infection, and manage necrotic tissue with systemic support in severe cases.

Dietary advice

Eat a high-calorie, high-protein, warm diet, supplement with vitamins, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.